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Policing should be accountable
SHEFFIELD MP David Blunkett believes that any newly-elected police chief in South Yorkshire would be too busy balancing the books and overseeing cuts to get down to the pressing problem of ensuring officers concentrate on local crime concerns.
However, this does an injustice to the calibre of anyone who may be tempted to step forward and seek election to the challenging role of Police and Crime Commissioner, as championed by the coalition government.
No doubt the police budget will be a major part of the new role, which is proposed to be introduced by 2012.
But readers will agree that there are individuals in our communities who are capable of tremendously punishing schedules and who would no doubt throw themselves into the role with total commitment.
And we are also sure that many of our readers would welcome the idea of an individual appointed to run our police force who is known and accountable directly to the public.
The present make-up of the police authority in South Yorkshire is a mystery to the majority of members of the public.
It can only be seen as a good move if the control and direction of policing in South Yorkshire is invested in a figurehead who is responding to the real concerns of the men and women of our county.
Powerful way to harness attention
END of term treats for young children at a group of Sheffield primary schools took the form of a trip to the cinema. But there was a catch...
For the youngsters found that their viewing of the new blockbuster movie, Shrek Forever After, was halted on a number of occasions and the experience turned into a literacy lesson.
This is a great way to harness youngsters' attention and imagination.
They will have come away with a lasting impression and, hopefully, a newly-found ability to express themselves.
We believe this is a powerful way to engage youngsters and we wish teachers good luck with its development.
What folk deserve
IT does not seem so long since the state of Sheffield's parks caused great concern among our readers. But praise is due to the city council for responding to the problem and investing much time and money to bring about a remedy. And the result is a justly-deserved clutch of prestigious Green Flag awards and pennants, the latter given to community and voluntary groups who help out - and the city is blessed with many such wonderful organisations. This is a great example of the community co-operating with the council to bring about the change they clearly expect.
Got a view? Leave a comment below.
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Weather for Sheffield
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -3 C to 0 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Light sleet
Temperature: 1 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South west
